Chop Chop
Sometimes you need a fresh perspective.
What happens when I’m bored and want to change up my look? I don’t get a tattoo or another ear piercing like some, I go for a (sometimes drastic) haircut.
This time, when I went to see Kevin Lee, Creative Director at Julien Farel salon, it was like going back in time. Kevin cut my hair for years (maybe 15?), starting at Kenneth Salon when it was at the Waldorf Astoria. If you don’t know the history of Kenneth, Kenneth Batelle’s first Billy Baldwin-designed salon was on East 54th where he tended to women from Jackie Kennedy to Lee Radziwill to Babe Paley to Marilyn Monroe. (I think Kenneth was still at the Astoria salon when I started going, but can’t recall.)
Anyway, because of Kevin’s expertise and because he was at Kenneth, he gained a serious following of women who would be considered today’s swans such as Tory Burch and Marina Rust. I love Kevin; we have the same aesthetic references and he knows at this point when to listen to me and when to ignore me and just do his thing. He gets my obsession with Deeda Blair’s hair (honestly I’ve got the gray to do it, just not ready and he agrees.) I followed him to Julien Farel, a more modern and more French (and all around more elevated) experience than going to Kenneth (at Kenneth they used to give you water in a beer mug with Reynolds Wrap covering the top and straw poking through. Kid you not.) I’m so glad I went back to him for a major crop. Also, my shampoo/head massage was next level. I can get into that kind of pampering, thank you very much.
Having a less hair makes me think about dressing differently. I feel like I’m veering towards slightly exaggerated extremes….either very tailored and masculine or very feminine. Got the tailored aspect covered; in my dreams I am buying a Chanel floral print dress for Spring. In general, I do feel more polished, which is something that I’ve been talking about and become more enamored with as I continue to watch Feud: Truman Versus the Swans. Certainly not the polish these women had, but a bit more than my typical “wash’n’wear” style. (Also a coral lip? Maybe….)
Of course, things could change. I’ve been known to have a hard time committing to one hairstyle. I managed to dig up this article I wrote for Harper’s Bazaar in 1998 (!), below, so you get the picture. (There are some rough hair moments in there.) But for the meantime, I’ll be back in Kevin’s chair soon and enjoying this new change.
xx Jennifer
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This may be your best do ever! Love it. I’m like you. As soon as it grows out I chop it off because all I do is resort to a pony tail. Currently have about the same length bob.
Love this style on you! Can we come up with a trendy new name for it? Because it's going in my spring trend report... (Also love the short 90s crop - very Jenny Brunt)